Functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed to the preparation and applications of internally and/or externally functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs), which are produced by a three step procedure: (1) synthesis of native EbNPs, (2) functionalization with active agents, and (3) additional surface property customization via one or more modifier(s).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under Grant No. 554,871 awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the preparation and applications of internally and/or externally functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs), which are produced by a three-step procedure: (1) synthesis of native EbNPs, (2) functionalization with active agents, and (3) additional surface property customization via one or more modifier(s).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Introduction

Engineered nanoparticles exhibit unique and useful physical, chemical, and biological particle-specific attributes that may help to solve pressing challenges of mankind in industries including life sciences, energy, and health care. However, nanoparticle waste has been recognized as a potential health hazard,¹ as the post-utilization activity of engineered nanoparticles combined with their persistence may result in short and long-term toxicity in humans and the environment.² For example, it has been found that the physical and chemical characteristics of persistent nanoparticles (PNPs), and therefore, their activity, may not change even after high-temperature treatments in solid-waste incineration plants.³ One way to minimize the post-utilization hazard of nanoparticles is to minimize their residence time and presence in the environment. Employing degradable nanoparticles with matching functionality to PNPs may serve as a suitable solution.

Lignin, the most abundant aromatic polymer in nature,⁴ has an amorphous structure and is biodegradable. Lignin covalently crosslinks the cell walls of plants, and plays a vital role in plant health, growth, and development.⁵ When extracted from biomass, the structure of modified lignin varies depending on the initial plant source and the method of isolation. Lignin obtained via the organosolv process, such as High Purity Lignin (HPL), is strongly hydrophobic, does not incorporate any sulfur containing groups, and therefore, preserves best the structure of native lignin of all processed lignins.⁶ However, the most common extraction method is the Kraft pulping processes.⁷ Indulin AT (IAT), a modified lignin that contains a small number of hydrophilic thiol groups, is recovered by this process. In aqueous systems, matrixes of IAT have shown high absorbance capabilities of heavy metal ions for environmental remediation purposes.^(8, 9) Cationic metal ions are electrostatically attracted to IAT, which is negatively charged in aqueous solution due to deprotonation of its main functional groups (Table 6). Recently, the synthesis of pH-stable IAT-based environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs) in ethylene glycol was reported.¹⁰ Hence, we propose that by infusing IAT EbNPs with functional metal ions, it will be possible to synthesize degradable nanoparticles that match the nanoparticle functionality of the respective metal PNPs, while increasing post-utilization safety.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most widely employed PNPs, as their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties allow them to combat bacteria strains exhibiting antibiotic resistance,¹¹ which are reported in human pathogens including Escherichia coli (E. coli)¹² and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa).¹³ As infection control measures can minimize the spread of drug-resistant bacteria,¹⁴ and therefore the potential for nosocomial infections,¹⁵ silver-containing products may find increasing utilization in the medical sector to prevent bacteria growth on catheters,¹⁶ prostheses,¹⁷ and dental materials,¹⁸ and to reduce the infection potential of burn wounds.¹⁹ In addition, with the emergence of antimicrobial PNPs in textiles,²⁰ water filters,²¹ and other consumer products, the human exposure potential to PNPs with their associated risks increases. Human skin exposure studies indicate that AgNPs can be released from antibacterial fabrics into liquids resembling “sweat”.²² Studies on commercially available wound dressings proved that dressings containing AgNPs exhibit stronger cytotoxic effects toward keratinocytes than do PNP-free counterparts.²³ In vitro studies on mammalian fibroblasts have revealed that AgNP can induce apoptosis. In this context, AgNP may potentially affect human health.^(24, 25, 26)

Several methods for the preparation of antimicrobial silver-based nanoparticle systems have been reported. Most procedures employ highly reactive reducing agents such as sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) or hydrazine (N₂H₄) to reduce silver ions to metallic silver. Green synthesis methods of producing AgNP can reduce the environmental impact during fabrication given that no harsh solvents or reducing agents are employed.^(27, 28) However, due to the persistent nature of AgNPs, the problem of post-utilization toxicity associated with non-degradable nanoparticles remains unaddressed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In particular non-limiting embodiments, the present invention provides:

1. A nanoparticle comprising:

a biodegradable biopolymer core, an antiviral or cytotoxic agent loaded on the biodegradable core, and a cationic layer coating the biodegradable core with the bioactive agent.

2. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable biopolymer core is either a lignin, a modified lignin, or a linear, branched, or cross-linked polysaccharide. 3. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable biopolymer core is a plant- or animal-derived biopolymer. 4. The nanoparticle of claim 3, wherein the plant- or animal-derived biopolymer core is a cellulose, a chitin, a chitosan, a hemicellulose, a lignocellulose, a modified cellulose, a modified chitosan, a modified lignin, a protein, or a combination thereof. 5. The nanoparticle of claim 4, wherein the chitosan is a medium or high molecular weight chitosan or a derivative thereof. 6. The nanoparticle of claim 4, wherein the modified cellulose is cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose propionate, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, or methyl cellulose, or a derivative thereof. 7. The nanoparticle of claim 4, wherein the modified chitosan is a low molecular weight chitosan, a chitosan with amino groups in the backbone, or a derivative thereof. 8. The nanoparticle of claim 4, wherein the modified lignin is sulfonated or unsulfonated lignin. 9. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the antiviral or cytotoxic agent is an antiviral agent. 10. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the antiviral or cytotoxic agent is a biocide, a cationic metal, a catalyst, a fumigant, a herbicide, a pesticide, a photocatalyst, or a semiconductor. 11. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the biocide is an algaecide, a bactericide, or a fungicide. 12. The nanoparticle of claim 11, wherein the fungicide is captan, chlorothalonil, cyrodinil, folpet, mepanipyrim, pyrimethanil, sulfur, or vinclozolin. 13. The nanoparticle of claim 11, wherein the fungicide is an ethylenebisdithiocarbamate or a natural fungicide. 14. The nanoparticle of claim 13, wherein the ethylencbisdithiocarbamate is mancozeb, maneb, metiram, nabam, or zineb. 15. The nanoparticle of claim 13, wherein the natural flingicide is ampelomuces quisqualis, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon essential oil, jojoba oil, monocerin, neem oil, rosemary oil, or tee tree oil. 16. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the cationic metal is Ag⁺, Ag²⁺, Ag³⁺, Co^(2±), Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, or Zn²⁺. 17. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the fumigant is 1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin, formaldehyde, iodoform, metam sodium, methyl bromide, methyl iodide, methyl isocyanate, phosphine, or sulfuryl fluoride. 18. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the herbicide glyphosate, triclopyr, 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium ion (paraquat) or a chemical derivative, analogue or salt thereof. 19. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the herbicide is a chloracetanilide herbicide, glyphosate herbicide, an imidazolinone herbicide, an organic herbicide, a phenoxy herbicide, a phenylurea herbicide, a triazine herbicide, or a triazolopyrimidine herbicide. 20. The nanoparticle of claim 19, wherein the chloracetanilide herbicide is acetochlor, alachlor, butachlor, metolachlor, or propachlor. 21. The nanoparticle of claim 19, wherein the imidazolinone herbicide is imazapyr, imazamethabenz-methyl, imazapic, imazethapyr, imazamox or imazaquin. 22. The nanoparticle of claim 19, wherein the organic herbicide is corn gluten meal, vinegar, D-limonene, or monocerin. 23. The nanoparticle of claim 19, wherein the phenoxy herbicide is 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-(2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxy)propionic acids, 2-(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)propionic acid, or 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid. 24. The nanoparticle of claim 19, wherein the phenylurea herbicide is N′-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea (diuron), 1,1-dimethyl-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (fluometuron), or N,N-dimethyl-N′-[4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl (isoproturon). 25. The nanoparticle of claim 19, wherein the triazine herbicide is ametryn, atrazine, cyanazine, prometon, prometryn, propazinc, simazine, terbuthylazine, or terbutryn. 26. The nanoparticle of claim 19, wherein the triazolopyrimidine herbicide is clorasulam-methyl, diclosulam, florasularn, flumetsulam, metosulam, penoxsulama, or pyroxsulama. 27. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the pesticide is an avicide, an insecticide, a miticide, a molluscicide, a nematicide, or a rodenticide. 28. The nanoparticle of claim 27, wherein the insecticide is a carbamate or a pyrethroid insecticide. 29. The nanoparticle of claim 28, wherein the carbamate insecticide is aldicarh, carbaryl, earbofuran, formentanate, methiocarb, oxamyl, pirimicarb, propoxur, or thiodicarb. 30. The nanoparticle of claim 28, wherein the pyrethroid insecticide is allethrin,bifenthrin, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, etofenprox, fenvalerate, permethrin, phenothrin, prallethrin, pesmethrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, or transfluthrin. 31. The nanoparticle of claim 27, wherein the rodenticide is an anticoagulants, brodifacouma, bromadiolonca, chlorophacinone, difethialone, diphacinone, pindone, warfarin, nonanticoagulant, bromethalin, cholecalciferol, strychnine, or zinc phosphide 32. The nanoparticle of claim 10, wherein the semiconductor is Ag₂S, CdS, CdSc, CdTe, Cu₂S, CuCI, CuO, Fe₂O₃, Fe₂S, Fe₃O₄, FeO, NiO, TiO₂, ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, or ZnTe. 33. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the bioadhesive layer is a cationic polymer. 34. The nanoparticle of claim 33, wherein the cationic polymer is a polyamino-polymer. 35. The nanoparticle of claim 34, wherein the polyamino-polymer is branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI), polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH), polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC), polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA), polyethyleneimine (PEI), or polylysine. 36. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the bioadhesive layer comprises primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternized amines. 37. The nanoparticle in claim 1, where the bioadhesive layer comprises carbohydrates, polypeptides, lectins, proteins, or antibodies or other molecules or materials with affinity to microbes, viruses or seeds. 38. The nanoparticle in claim 1, where the bioadhesive layer comprises nanohairs, nanolatches 39. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticle has a diameter of about 10 nm to about 500 nm. 40. The nanoparticle of claim 39, wherein the nanoparticle has a diameter of about 20 nm to about 100 nm. 41. The nanoparticle of claim 40, wherein the nanoparticle has a diameter of about 50 nm to about 80 nm. 42. A coated article comprising a surface wherein at least a portion of the surface is coated with the nanoparticle of claim 1. 43. The coated article of claim 42, wherein the coated article is an air filter, an article of clothing, an article of hygiene, a building material, a face mask, a food stuff package, a medical device, or a seed. 44. The coated article of claim 43, wherein the medical device is bandage, a biological implant, a dressing, a medical scaffold, a surgical instrument, or a wound covering. 45. The use of the nanoparticle of claim 1 to impart antiviral or cytotoxic properties to a substrate. 46. A method for fabricating a nanoparticle, the method comprising: contacting a solvent containing a dissolved biodegradable biopolymer with an anti-solvent so as to form a biodegradable biopolymer core; loading an antiviral or cytotoxic agent on the biopolymer core; and coating the biopolymer core and the antiviral or cytotoxic agent with a bioadhesive layer. 47. A method for fabricating a nanoparticle, the method comprising: altering the pH of a suitable solvent containing a dissolved biodegradable biopolymer so as to form a biodegradable biopolymer core; loading an antiviral or cytotoxic agent on the biopolymer core; and coating the biopolymer core and the antiviral or cytotoxic agent with a bioadhesive layer. 48. A method for fabricating a nanoparticle, the method comprising: contacting an organic solvent containing a dissolved biodegradable biopolymer with an aqueous solvent under suitable pH conditions so as to form a biodegradable biopolymer core; loading an antiviral or cytotoxic agent on the biopolymer core; and coating the biopolymer core and the antiviral or cytotoxic agent with a bioadhesive layer. 49. A method for fabricating a nanoparticle, the method comprising: contacting an aqueous containing a dissolved biodegradable biopolymer with a polyelectrolyte under suitable conditions so as to form a biodegradable biopolymer core; loading an antiviral or cytotoxic agent on the biopolymer core; and coating the biopolymer core and the antiviral or cytotoxic agent with a bioadhesive layer. 50. A nanoparticle fabricated according to the method of claim 46. 51. A nanoparticle fabricated according to the method of claim 47. 52. A nanoparticle fabricated according to the method of claim 48. 53. A nanoparticle fabricated according to the method of claim 49. 54. The nanoparticle of claim 4, wherein the protein is a prolamin or a gluten 55. The nanoparticle of claim 54, wherein the prolamin is gliadin, hordein, secalin, zein, kafirin or avenin. 56. The nanoparticle of claim 54, wherein the gluten is gladin or glutenin. 57. The nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable biopolymer core is a byproduct of lignin degradation. 58. The nanoparticle of claim 57, wherein the byproduct of lignin degradation is humic acid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Schematic of the concept for making and using environmentally benign bactericidal nanoparticles (EbNPs) compared to the present use of AgNPs.

FIG. 2: Schematics of the concept for synthesizing HPL EbNP via the solvent-antisolvent method.

FIG. 3: HPL EbNP synthesis. a) size as a function of initial HPL concentration in solvent. b) TEM micrographs of native HPL EbNP.

FIG. 4: HPL EbNP size as a function of antisolvent dilution rate.

FIG. 5: HPL EbNP size and ζ-potential as a function of final pH.

FIG. 6: Schematics of the IAT EbNP synthesis methods.¹⁰

FIG. 7: Results of IAT EbNP synthesis via pH drop as a function of acid added.

FIG. 8: TAT EbNPs size and ζ-potential vs. amount of HNO₃ added to 5 ml IAT0.5 wt % in ethylene glycol.

FIG. 9: IAT EbNP size and ζ-potential vs. pH.

FIG. 10: IAT UV-Vis calibration curve for UV-Vis IAT EbNP solvation measurement.

FIG. 11: IAT EbNP dissolution as a function of pH, obtained by UV-Vis measurements.

FIG. 12: IAT EbNP stability as a function of ionic strength.

FIG. 13: DLVO modeling of IAT EbNP system. The interaction energy in kT is modeled as a function of particle separation distance in nm for three different ionic strengths.

FIG. 14: Infusion of native IAT EbNPs. a, TEM micrograph of native IAT EbNP.

b, Schematics showing native IAT EbNP infusion with Ag⁺ in aqueous solution. c, TEM image of silver-ion infused IAT EbNP.

FIG. 15: Ag⁺ calibration curve. Silver ion mV reading vs. Ag⁺ ppm loading.

FIG. 16: Determination of Γ_(max) and k for Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

FIG. 17: Langmuir adsorption isotherm fit. A_(g)+ adsorption on IAT EbNP nanoparticles normalized on m² particle surface area vs. initial Ag⁺ loading per m² particle surface area.

FIG. 18: EbNP diameter and ζ-potential vs. initial PDADMAC wt %.

FIG. 19: EbNP diameter and ζ-potential vs. initial PAH wt %.

FIG. 20: CFU on reference plate without agent (left) and CFU on test plate with antimicrobial agent (right).

FIG. 21: Wet method schematic for antimicrobial testing. (1) placement of active agent into centrifugal tubes, (2) addition of PBS buffer, (3) addition of bacteria solution, vortexing for 1 minute and 30 minutes, platting after 1 minute and 30 minutes, incubation of samples, and investigation of CFUs.

FIG. 22: Qualitative E. coll test—CFU reduction efficiency of selected IAT EbNP, BPEI AgNP, and AgNO₃ samples. a, after 1 minute incubation time. b, after 30 minutes incubation time.

FIG. 23: Quantitative Pseudomonas aeruginosa test—CPU reduction efficiency of selected BPEI AgNP, AgNO₃, PDADMAC, and IAT EbNP samples. a, after 1 minute incubation time. b, after 30 minutes incubation time.

FIG. 24: Schematics of the concept for making and using environmentally benign bactericidal nanoparticles (EbNPs) compared to the present use of AgNPs.

FIG. 25: Schematic of the concept for making and using functionalized EbNPs. a, Repeating units of material building blocks. b, Synthesis steps for making functionalized EbNPs. c, Life cycle of EbNPs—application and post-utilization activity.

FIG. 26: Qualitative E. coli test—CFU reduction efficiency of selected IAT EbNP, BPEI AgNP, and AgNO₃ samples. a, after 1 minute contact time. b, after 30 minutes contact time.

FIG. 27: Quantitative Pseudomonas aeruginosa test—CFU reduction efficiency of selected IAT EbNP, BPEI AgNP, and AgNO₃ samples. a, after 1 minute contact time. b, after 30 minutes contact time.

FIG. 28: Schematic of the hypothesis of the antimicrobial mechanism of f-EbNPs-PDADMAC. a, Ag-EbNP-PDADMAC are electrostatically attracted to bacteria cell and h, can deliver the silver ions leading to cell death.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Concept: SECTION 1

The schematic in FIG. 1 illustrates the three steps involved in generating sustainable antimicrobial nanoparticles, and their life cycle in comparison to that of persistent AgNPs. In one, non-limiting embodiment, the silver ion infused lignin-based EbNPs with positive surface charge consist of: (1) a biodegradable EbNP core (negatively charged IAT EbNPs); (2) an active agent (antimicrobial silver ions adsorb on the negatively charged EbNP core); and (3) a surface modifier (polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride [PDADMAC], a positively charged polyelectrolyte). Both systems can attach to negatively charged bacteria cells. Both systems can release silver ions, which perform the desired antimicrobial function leading to bacteria cell death. When examining the silver release from the AgNP system, first metallic silver has to dissolve before it can be released in its ionic form into the bacteria. As the change of state from metallic to ionic silver may limit the rate at which silver ions are transferred from the AgNP system to the cell, this may reduce, overall, the antimicrobial efficiency of the system. In contrast to the metallic silver in AgNPs, ionic silver is already available in Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC at contact with the cell. Therefore, Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC may be capable of releasing silver ions more readily. This may result in high antimicrobial efficiency and rapid Ag depletion of the Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC system. At the end of the lifecycle, both systems may eventually be released into the environment as nanomaterial waste. Moreover, as AgNPs may stay active, releasing reactive silver ions post-utilization, they represent persistent nanoparticle waste that could result in hazards for humans and the environment. On the other hand, the Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC system, which is depleted of silver ions, is rendered inactive and will degrade over time; hence, Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC may increase post-utilization safety for humans and the environment.

Here, we report non-limiting, exemplary data on the synthesis of native HPL and IAT EbNPs, the infusion of native IAT EbNPs with silver ions, the surface charge modification of the system with PDADMAC, and the quantification of antimicrobial efficiencies for opportunistic human pathogens E. coli and P. aeruginosa. In addition, we provide a hypothesis to explain the antimicrobial mechanism associated with Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC.

1 RESULTS 1.1 Synthesis and Characterization of HPL EbNPs

We synthesized native HPL EbNPs via the solvent-antisolvent precipitation method. As illustrated in FIG. 2, hydrophobic HPL is first dissolved in a good solvent, which is acetone, and rapidly transferred into an antisolvent, which is Millipore H₂O. Upon change of media, HPL may precipitate out as stable negatively charged EbNPs. The main parameters controlling the size and size distribution of these EbNPs include the initial HPL loading in the solvent, and the rate of dilution with antisolvent.

The data on the effect of the initial HPL loading in the solvent on the final EbNP size are shown in FIG. 3. The TEM images may indicate spherical particles with diameters below 100 nm. The preparation of the samples included the following two steps (1) 1 ml of HPL dissolved in acetone was placed in a 20 ml scintillation vial, (2) 9.21 ml of Millipore 1-1₂0 was rapidly added to the solution immediately precipitating out HPL EbNPs. The samples obtained were then further diluted to 0.05 wt %, which is a suitable concentration for size measurements with dynamic light scattering (DLS). The EbNP z-average diameters increased with increasing amount of HPL in the initial solvent. Repeated testing, as indicated with error bars, shows that the target diameters are reproducible. While the polydispersity width increases with particle size, the polydispersity indexes, which fluctuate mainly between 0.05 and 0.20, did not show a distinct trend. The wide polydispersity width observed could be a consequence of the broad molecular weight size distribution of the raw material HPL. The stability of the particle suspensions over time was confirmed with a size measurement performed after 84 days, which did not show any significant change in diameter.

1.1.1 HPL EbNP Dilution Rate Study

We investigated the effect of the stock solution dilution rate on the HPL EbNP size. As reported in FIG. 4, the particle size decreases with increasing dilution rate. Up to a dilution rate of 218 ml/minute, the rate was adjusted with a syringe pump. For the dilution rates that could not be achieved with a syringe pump, the ones at 420 ml/minute and 1100 ml/minute, we utilized a 10 ml hand pipette and performed a video analysis on the pipette tip to calculate the actual dilution rate. Overall, we developed a facile method to synthesize pH-stable HPL EbNPs with size control in the range of 50 to 250 nm in diameter.

1.1.2 HPL EbNP pH Stability

The stability of HPL EbNPs against pH change was tested in dialyzed 0.10 wt % HPL EbNP samples, which were diluted down to 0.05 wt %. To adjust the pH of the EbNP suspensions, callibrated amounts of IINO₃ or NaOH solution were added. As indicated in FIG. 5, the pH stability of the EbNPs ranges from 3.25 to 10. Below a pH value of 3.25, the EbNPs show signs of instability and eventually aggregate as indicated with the threefold size increase at pH 2.91, which is accompanied with an apparent ζ-potential drop. When investigating the samples above pH 10, we observed a color change accompanied with reduced light scattering intensity, which was confirmed by a vanishing count rate at the DLS, indicating dissolution of HPL EbNPs.

1.2 Synthesis and Characterization of IAT EbNPs

FIG. 6 illustrates two IAT EbNP synthesis protocols. IAT EbNPs synthesized in ethylene glycol exhibit pH stability due to favourable stacking of the TAT molecules, while TAT EbNPs synthesized via the water-based pH drop method dissolve upon pH increase. FIG. 7 shows the diameters of TAT EbNPs synthesized via the water-based pH-drop method as a function of acid added to the system. Here, we added rapidly under vigorous stirring defined amounts of HNO₃ to 10 ml of 0.05 wt % IAT solution at pH 12 inducing a sudden pH drop, which triggered IAT precipitation as EbNPs. The final pH values of the samples are reported on the top x-axis. Size control could be achieved by appropriately adjusting the amount of acid added.

Native IAT EbNPs were synthesized via the organic solvent water-based pH-drop method in ethylene glycol and the data are reported in FIG. 8. This method allows the synthesis of IAT 1bNPs with good size control in the range of 50 to 125 nm. First, 0.25 g commercial IAT lignin was dissolved in 50 ml of ethylene glycol, vortexed for 30 minutes, and filtered with a 0.45 mn syringe filter. Then, 5 ml of the stock solution was put into a 20 ml scintillation vial and vigorously stirred with a fitting magnetic stir bar. Supersaturation was induced upon addition of various amounts of acid precipitating out negatively charged TAT EbNPs. We diluted the EbNP suspension in ethylene glycol with Millipore H₂O, after 5 minutes and 7 days, to obtain a 0.05 wt % TAT EbNP sample, containing 10% (v/v) of ethylene glycol. The pH values measured for these final suspensions range from 3 to 4. The EbNPs exhibited a negative ζ-potential with a magnitude of approximately −30 mV for all samples. The polydispersity widths increase slightly with increasing particle diameters. The 7 day synthesis shows that the particles are growing when kept in ethylene glycol solution. The IAT EbNPs dispersed in water are stable for periods longer than 84 days.

1.2.1 IAT EbNP pH Stability

As reported in FIG. 9, the IAT EbNPs obtained are pH-stable in the pH range from 3 to 9, Here, we took dialyzed native IAT EbNP suspensions at pH 4.5 and adjusted the pH with NaOH or HNO₃ solution. The z-average diameter and the ζ-potential of each sample were measured. The colloidal instability of the IAT EbNP suspensions below pH 3 can be explained with the drop in ζ-potential indicating decreased electrostatic repulsion between the particles. At higher pH values, the decrease in particle size may indicate dissolution of particles. To quantify the dissolution of IAT EbNPs at elevated pH, we performed a UV-Vis study to determine the remaining amount of IAT lignin precipitated as particles as a function of increasing pH. FIG. 10 shows the UV-Vis calibration curve obtained at a wavelength of 285 nm. We utilized the curve to characterize the pH stability of IAT EbNPs as reported in FIG. 11. We started with dialyzed IAT EbNPs at pH 4.92 and adjusted the pH value afterwards. We then took the supernatant of these pre-treated samples and added aliquots of NaOH solution to baseline the samples. Then, we determined the IAT lignin dissolved in the supernatant and closed the IAT mass balance to obtain the mass of IAT EbNPs remaining in the suspension at each pH value. For example, when we increase the pH of the native EbNP suspension from pH 4.92 to pH 8.2, 53.8% of the initial IAT EbNPs remain in form of EbNPs, while 46.2% of the initial IAT EbNPs are dissolved.

1.2.2 IAT EbNP Ionic Strength Study and DLVO Modeling

We performed an ionic strength study to investigate the effect of increasing ionic strength on the stability of IAT EbNP suspensions, and to determine if the IAT EbNP suspensions may exhibit colloidal stability at ionic strength levels equivalent to the ones found in physiological testing media used in biocidal testing. FIG. 12 shows the particle diameter and ζ-potential as a function of ionic strength in mol/L. We added measured amounts of NaCl to adjust to the target ionic strength—0.10 M NaCl is equivalent to 0.10 mol/L ionic strength. The colloidal stability of the EbNP suspension was confirmed by DLS size measurements. The magnitude of the measured ζ-potential decreases rapidly upon a small increase of ionic strength. We observed that the sample at 0.30 mol/L, at an ionic strength well above the one found in physiological testing media (0.015 mol/L), exhibited colloidal stability even after 36 days. The EbNP suspensions above 0.30 M NaCl started to show signs of colloidal instability in the form of settling and aggregation.

We modeled the interaction energy W(D) according to DLVO theory in selected TAT EbNPs at three chosen ionic strengths. At an ionic strength of 0.25 mol/L, we determined a Debye length k⁻¹=0.61 rim. With a ζ-potential of −15.0 mV at that ionic strength, we calculated a surface potential Ψ₀=−40.8 mV. We determined the electrostatic repulsion energy W(D_(elec)) and the van der Walls attraction energy W(D_(VDW)) as a function of the separation distance D to evaluate the total interaction energy W(D). As shown in FIG. 13, the stability threshold in the colloidal system was determined to be at 0.25 mol/L ionic strength. The colloidal suspension at 0.50 mol/L ionic strength shows a highly unstable sample.

1.3 Characterization of Ag⁺ Ion Infused EbNPs

We obtained IAT EbNPs with a hydrodynamic diameter of 72 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.230 and a ζ-potential of −23.5 mV. The DLS equipment measured a conductivity of 0.139 mS/cm, and an electrophoretic mobility of −1.403 μm cm /V s. As depicted in FIG. 14, TEM micrographs show predominantly nanosized non-spherical clusters in the size range below 100 nm. Some degree of spreading of IAT particles on the TEM grid could be triggered by the hydrophilic nature of IAT. The structures of the clusters suggest a high availability of surface area for particle functionalization.

We functionalized negatively charged IAT EbNPs with Ag⁺ ions in aqueous solution. We chose a common soluble salt, AgNO₃, as an Ag⁺ ion source. FIG. 14 illustrates the possible adsorption of Ag⁺ ions on the deprotonated ionized groups on the EbNP surface. The main functional groups of IAT lignin include phenolic —OH, aliphatic —OH, carboxyl groups —OOH, and thiol groups —SH, which when deprotonated render the surface charge of TAT EbNPs negative; hence, deprotonated functional groups serve as suitable binding sites for cations including Ag⁺ ions. The distribution of the functional groups and the respective pKa values are reported in Table 6. TEM micrographs of functionalized IAT EbNPs show predominantly nanosized non-spherical clusters in the size range below 100 nm,

Ag⁺ reference solutions in the range of 0.25 ppm to 500 ppm were prepared from 1000 ppm Ag⁺ standard, and the corresponding potential in mV was recorded using an Ag⁺ ion selective electrode in conjunction with a multimeter. Each reading was obtained after 2.5 minutes of equilibrium time. FIG. 15 shows the Ag⁺ ion calibration curve with logarithmic fit.

We prepared additional AgNO₃ standards with 40 ppm Ag⁺, 100 ppm Ag⁺, 200 ppm Ag⁺, and 800 ppm Ag⁺, and added 0.5 ml of each of these standards to 9.5 ml of previously prepared 0.0526 wt % IAT EbNP suspensions to infuse the particles with Ag⁺ ions. To determine the Ag⁺ ion content adsorbed on the EbNPs, we first determined the residual Ag⁺ ions in the supernatant in each sample, and then closed the Ag⁺ ion balance to estimate the amount of Ag⁺ ions adsorbed on the particles. The ion content in the supernatant was determined with an Ae ion selective electrode (ISE).

Table 1 summarizes the Ag+ ion infused samples with various amounts of Ag⁺ ion loadings. The initial loading corresponds to the overall Ag+ ion content in the 10 ml sample at the time of infusion. The Ag⁺ ion content in the supernatant was calculated from the mV reading at the ISE with the following equation.

${{Ag}_{snat}^{+}\lbrack{ppm}\rbrack} = e^{(\frac{{{ISE}{\lbrack{mV}\rbrack}} + 100.74}{26.105})}$

We measured a negative -potential for the Ag⁺ infused IAT EbNPs.

TABLE 1 Ag⁺ adsorbtion data on particles. Ag⁺ ion Ag⁺ ion Adsorbed on adsorbed on EbNP wt %, initial ISE Supernatant particles particles Ag⁺ ppm loading [mv] [ppm Ag⁺] [ppm Ag⁺] [%] IAT 0.05, 2 ppm −98.80 0.91 1.09 54.7 IAT 0.05, 5 ppm −64.80 3.58 1.42 28.4 IAT 0.05, 10 ppm −44.30 7.70 2.30 23.0 IAT 0.05, 40 ppm −5.70 35.07 4.93 12.3

We modeled the Ag⁺ ion adsorption equilibria with a Langmuir adsorption isotherm and normalized the Ag⁺ uptake capabilities per surface area. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm is described by the following equation:

${\Gamma (c)} = {\Gamma_{\max}\frac{Kc}{1 + {Kc}}}$

We determined a maximal adsorption Γ_(max)=8688 ppm Ag⁺/m² particle surface area, and a K value of 0.000115 in FIG. 16. We used these parameters to model the adsorption isotherm that we report in FIG. 17. We observed that the Ag⁺ ion loading increases with an increasing amount pf Ag⁺ available. The Ag⁺ absorption reaches equilibrium within 24 h. We observed that the Ag⁺ content in the supernatant stays constant after 24 h (re-measured after 3 days). We infer that the Ag⁺ is predominately physically adsorbed on the IAT binding sites.

1.4 Synthesis and Characterization of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC

To allow electrostatic attraction between negatively charged bacteria in aqueous solution and the Ag⁺ ion functionalized EbNPs, we reversed the surface charge of Ag⁺ infused EbNPs from negative to positive. We modified the surface properties of the EbNP system through adsorption of PDADMAC, a positively charged polyelectrolyte. To find a suitable PDADMAC concentration for the EbNP surface modification, we prepared samples with the initial PDADMAC concentrations reported in Table 2. The particles were coated in 5 ml batches of IAT EbNP 0.05 wt % suspension. For the surface modification step, 5 ml of polyelectrolyte solution with the previously reported wt % was added rapidly to the IAT EbNP suspension. The final concentration of IAT in the sample was 0.025 wt %. To investigate the stability and the change of properties of the coated samples, we measured the z-averages and the -potential with DLS. FIG. 18 illustrated the EbNP diameter and potential trends as a function of initial PDADMAC concentration. The results indicate that below addition of 0.10 wt % PDADMAC solution, the IAT EbNP surface potential does not reverse from negative to positive. At 0.15 wt % or higher, enough PDADMAC is available to reverse the surface charge to positive.

TABLE 2 Initial PDADMAC wt % and resulting ζ-potential after polyelectrolyte coating. PDADMAC dispersant) wt % with 5% EG ζ-potential initial [nm] [mV] Comments 0.050 78.07 38.5 Stable 0.025 73.4 36.4 Stable 0.020 73.81 32.9 Stable 0.015 74.65 30.6 Stable 0.010 77.86 23.5 0.005 69.54 −23.0 0.001 75.2 −24.3

The magnitude of the positive surface potential, obtained after coating the IAT EbNPs, is dependent on the polyelectrolyte used. Similarly to the samples with PDADMAC coating reported previously, polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH) coated IAT EbNPs were synthesized to prove the possibility to customize the surface charge magnitude by choice of suitable polyelectrolytes. The z-averages and ζ-potentials were measured and are reported in Table 3. The corresponding trends are illustrated in FIG. 18.

TABLE 3 Initial PAH wt % and resulting ζ- potential after polyelectrolyte coating. z-average (adjusted PAH dispersant) zeta wt % with 5%EG potential initial [mn] [mV] Comments 0.050 79.21 42.8 stable 0.020 76.97 42.1 stable 0.010 86.94 38.6 stable 0.005 18.59 13.8 unstable

A suitable sample obtained was Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC (d=72 nm) with a final IAT EbNP concentration of 0.025 wt %, an Ag⁺ ion content on the particles of 0.71 ppm, an Ag⁺ ion amount in the supernatant of 1.79 ppm, and a PDADMAC concentration of 0.01 wt % in the colloidal suspension. The surface potential was reversed from −25.0 mV to +32.4 mV with the addition of PDADMAC—0.01 wt % in the final sample. The final sample pH was 5.5. Other samples were prepared accordingly.

1.5 Antimicrobial Testing

We compared the antimicrobial activity of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC with that of positively charged branched polyethylene imine AgNPs (BPEI AgNPs) and AgNO₃ solutions (see supplemental information for BPEI AgNP and AgNO₃ sample preparations). We performed quantitative antimicrobial tests on Gram-negative E. coli BL21 (DE3), a common human pathogen, and qualitative tests on Gram-negative P. aeruginosa, a human pathogen not susceptible to antimicrobial amines such as BPEI and PDADMAC. Therefore, any antimicrobial activity in the P. aeruginosa tests will predominantly stern from silver.

The activity of each active agent was determined by comparing the number of colony forming units (CFU) of a reference plate with the CFU of a test plate as depicted in FIG. 20. The reduction of CFU on a test plate with antimicrobial agent is time dependent and concentration dependent.

The maximum antimicrobial reduction efficiency of 100% was reached when no CFU could be determined on the test plate. We quantified by the antimicrobial reduction efficiency “E” with the following equation

$E = {100\left( {1 - \frac{{CFU}\mspace{11mu} {sample}}{{CFU}\mspace{14mu} {reference}}} \right)}$

The schematic in FIG. 21 describes the wet method procedure that was followed for antimicrobial tests on both E. coli and P. aeruginosa. First, 200 μl of each active agent was placed into separate low retention centrifuge tubes. 100 μl of PBS buffer was added to each tube to baseline the ionic strength, and to adjust the pH value to 7. Finally, 100 μl of bacteria, E. coli or P. aeruginosa solution with approximately 4400 CFU/ml in nutrient broth, was added. The samples were continuously vortexed. After the bacteria were exposed to the active agent for 1 minute, the survival rate of the bacteria was determined by plating 100 μl of each sample evenly distributed on Luria-Bertani agar plates. The procedure was repeated after 30 minutes of exposure time. After the plating procedure, the petri dishes were sealed and incubated upside-down for 48 h at 37° C.

1.5.1 Quantitative Antimicrobial Test on E. Coli

FIG. 22 and

Table 4 compare the quantitative antimicrobial efficiency of each active agent in the E. coli tests. The reduction efficiency of six different samples with increasing Ag ppm equivalent ranging from 0 ppm to 54 ppm was investigated. The graphs show the reduction efficiency at two time points, 1 minute and 30 minutes. The weight percentages of the control samples and the silver contents in the active agents were chosen to show antimicrobial thresholds and to facilitate comparisons between the samples. Native IAT EbNPs without Ag⁺ functionalization and surface modification did not result in any observable reduction in CFU (not reported), which suggests that the native IAT EbNPs are benign. Also, IAT EbNPs with Ag⁺ funetionalization but without PDADMAC coating did not result in significant reduction of CFU after 1 minute (0%) and 30 minutes (5%). We suggest that the low antimicrobial efficiency may be attributed to the negative surface charge of these EbNPs, which may hinder them from overcoming the electrostatic barrier between the particles and the bacteria. IAT EbNPs coated with PDADMAC resulted in strong reduction of CFU after an exposure time of 30 minutes, which may be attributed to the antimicrobial effect of the quarterly amine PDADMAC. PDADMAC solution alone (not reported) exhibited strong bactericidal effects towards E. coli as well, comparable to the efficiency of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC or 100% after 30 minutes exposure time. Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC exhibited strong reduction in CFU, prevalent after 1 minute exposure time. The corresponding supernatant of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC exhibited no observable effect after 1 minute. The reduction of CFU in the supernatant after 30 minutes exposure time may be explained by residue active agent in the solution. BPEI AgNPs and AgNO₃ solutions exhibited antimicrobial effects at 20 ppm Ag and 40 ppm Ag respectively. Overall, the Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC sample outperformed the BPEI AgNPs and AgNO₃ samples in terms of antimicrobial efficiency normalized on Ag ppm equivalent.

TABLE 4 Results of quantitative E. coli tests. The CFU reduction efficiency of selected IAT EbNP samples, BPEI AgNP samples, and AgNO₃ samples are shown. Quantitative E. coli test; IAT EbNP samples 1 min IAT0.05 IAT0.025 IAT0.025 snat vortex Ag⁺ 5 ppm Ag⁺ 2.5 ppm PDADMAC IAT0.025 time PDADMAC 0.01 Ag⁺ 2.5 ppm 0.01 PDADMAC 0.01 CFU no  95.24%  12.38% no reduction observable observable efficiency effect effect 30 min IAT0.05 IAT0.025 IAT0.025 snat vortex Ag⁺ 5 ppm Ag⁺ 2.5 ppm PDADMAC IAT0.025 time PDADMAC 0.01 Ag⁺ 2.5 ppm 0.01 PDADMAC 0.01 CFU 4.76% 100.00% 100.00% 89.52% reduction efficiency Quantitative E. coli test; AgNPs 1 min BPEI BPEI BPEI BPEI BPEI vortex AgNPs AgNPs AgNPs AgNPs AgNPs time 54 ppm 20 ppm 10 ppm 5 ppm 2.5 ppm CFU 84.76% no no no no reduction observable observable observable observable efficiency effect effect effect effect 30 min BPEI BPEI BPEI BPEI BPEI vortex AgNPs AgNPs AgNPs AgNPs AgNPs time 54 ppm 20 ppm 10 ppm 5 ppm 2.5 ppm CFU 100.00%  91.43% no no no reduction observable observable observable efflciency effect effect effect Quantitative E. coli test; AgNO3 1 min AgNO3 AgNO3 AgNO3 AgNO3 AgNO3 vortex 40 ppm 20 ppm 10 ppm 5 ppm 2.5 ppm time CFU 53.33% no no no no reduction observable observable observable observable efficiency effect effect effect effect 30 min AgNO3 AgNO3 AgNO3 AgNO3 AgNO3 vortex 40 ppm 20 ppm 10 ppm 5 ppm 2.5 ppm time CFU 96.19% no no no no reduction observable observable observable observable efficiency effect effect effect effect 1.5.2 Qualitative Antimicrobial Test on P. aeruginosa

As mentioned previously, the qualitative antimicrobial test on P. aeruginosa can distinguish the antimicrobial effect of PDADMAC, from the effect of silver. FIG. 23 and Table 5 compare the qualitative antimicrobial efficiency of each active agent in this test. BPEI AgNPs and AgNO₃ solutions exhibited no complete antimicrobial effect after 30 minutes incubation time at 54 ppm Ag and 20 ppm Ag respectively. The control sample IAT EbNP at an elevated wt % of 0.10 did not result in any observable effect. Also, the sample IAT EbNPs coated with PDADMAC did not exhibit any measureable antimicrobial effect. The PDADMAC solutions at 0.02 wt % and 0.04 wt % appeared to promote P. aeruginosa growth. The sample Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC was the only one that exhibited complete or 100% antimicrobial efficiency after 30 minutes. The supernatant of the sample Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC did not show any antimicrobial effect after 30 minutes of incubation time. As the control samples of PDADMAC 0.02 wt %, PDADMAC 0.04 wt %, and the IAT EbNP sample coated with PDADMAC were ineffective in terms of complete antimicrobial efficiency after 30 minutes of incubation time, the results suggest that the antimicrobial action of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC is delivered by silver ions. Comparing all active agents tested in terms of antimicrobial efficiency, we establish that Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC proved most effective.

TABLE 5 Result table of qualitative Pseudomonas aeruginosa test. Each picture corresponds to the four reported CFU tests in the table above. After 30 min of vortexing, growth was observed in bacteria treated with BPEI AgNPs 54 ppm, AgNO₃ 20 ppm, PDADMAC 0.04 wt % solution, IAT EbNPs 0.10 wt %, IAT EbNPs 0.05 wt % coated with PDADMAC 0.02 wt %, and the supernatant of 0.05 wt % Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC. The active agent 0.05 wt % Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC was the only active agent resulting in no growth or 100% reduction in CFU. Qualitative P. aeruginosa test IAT0.05 snat IAT0.05 1 min vortex IAT0.05 Ag⁺ 5 ppm Ag⁺ 5 ppm time or contact BPEI AgNPs BPEI AgNPs AgNO₃ AgNO₃ PDADMAC PDADMAC PDADMAC PDADMAC PDADMAC time 10 ppm 54 ppm 10 ppm 20 ppm 0.02 0.04 IAT0.10 0.02 0.02 0.02 Pseudomonas Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes aeruginosa growth IAT0.05 snat IAT0.05 30 min vortex IAT0.05 Ag⁺ 5 ppm Ag⁺ 5 ppm time or contact BPEI AgNPs BPEI AgNPs AgNO₃ AgNO₃ PDADMA PDADMAC PDADMAC PDADMAC PDADMAC time 10 ppm 54 ppm 10 ppm 20 ppm 0.02 0.04 IAT0.10 0.02 0.02 0.02 Pseudomonas Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes aeruginosa growth

2 CONCLUSION

We developed a new class of nanomaterials with increased efficiency and potentially improved nanoparticle post-utilization safety. Functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs) exhibit locally confined and temporarily limited bioactivity. Other than their persistent counterparts, they are predominately made from biodegradable and sustainable materials, and are synthesized via green chemistry. As these EbNPs may lose their activity due to depletion of agent, dissolution of the EbNP system, or degradation of the lignin-based matrix by the environment, they can minimize any potential nanomaterial waste hazards. In addition to the beneficial post-utilization performance, EbNPs may deliver higher efficiency in terms of active agent employed in comparison to persistent nanoparticle system. In biocidal tests on the human pathogens E. coli and P. aeruginosa, we proved that silver ion infused EbNPs with positive surface charge (Ag-EbNP-PDADMAC) exhibit significantly higher antimicrobial activities in terms of Ag equivalent than silver nanoparticles. The increased efficiency of EbNPs with functional equivalent to their persistent counterparts, may favor substitution of a wide range of applied metal nanoparticles. Moreover, the benign nature of f-EbNPs opens opportunities for new applications of nanoparticles in the agriculture, home and personal care, and pharmaceutical industry.

3 EXPERIMENTAL SECTION

Equipment.

DLS (Malvern Instruments Ltd., Nano ZS, λ=633 nm, max. 5 mW)

Syringe pump (New Area Pump Systems, NE-4000)

UV-Vis spectrometer (Jasco UV/Vis V-550 spectrophotometer)

UV lamp (Uvitron, Sunray 400SM)

Multimeter (Mettler Toledo, S80)

Materials and chemicals used in EbNP synthesis.

Lignin. We obtained Indulin AT (IAT) powder (lot MB05) and supporting documentation from MeadWestVaco (MWV) Charleston, SC. We estimated the distribution of the main functional groups per 100 aromatic units according to the literature provided by MWV, and assigned pKa values from tables. We obtained High Purity Lignin (HPL) powder and supporting documentation from Lignol Burnaby, BC, Canada, and assigned pKa values to its functional groups accordingly. Table 6. FIG. 6 shows the distribution of functionality of the main functional groups of both lignins.

TABLE 6 Main functional groups of IAT and HPL lignin, and their pKa values. IAT, distribution of HPL, distribution of Lignin functional functionality functionality groups (#/100 aromatic units) (#/100 aromatic units) pKa Phenolic OH 68 73 10 Aliphatic OH 51 34 18 SH 9 — 10.75 COOH 16.02 — 4.2 OCH3 82 114  10.2 Carbonyl - O 12 — — Aryl alkyl ether 36 — — Dialkyl ether 9 — —

Millipore water (Synergy UV); acetone (BDH, CAS# 67-64-1, lot 010612B); HNO₃ (Sigma Aldrich, CASH 7697-37-2, lot A0294591); ethylene glycol (Sigma Aldrich, CAS# 107-21-1, grade 99+%, lot B0521395); 0.45 μm syringe filter (Thermo Scientific, nylon syringe filter 0.45 μm); magnetic stir bar (Fisher Scientific, 8-Agon stir bar 14-512-147).

HPL EbNP synthesis. The -potential was measured with a Malvern disposable capillary cell DTS1061. The following measuring settings were used: the solvent was H₂O with 10% (v/v) acetone with an overall viscosity of 1.0684 el). The effective voltage was 150 V.

IAT EbNP synthesis. The ζ-potential was measured with a Malvern disposable capillary cell DTS1061 in the size control and pH-stability studies. The following measuring settings were used: the solvent was H₂O with 10% (v/v) ethylene glycol with an overall viscosity of 1.1932 cP. The effective voltage was 150 V. The ζ-potential was measured with a Malvern dip cell ZEN1002 in the ionic strength study. The dip cell allows ζ-potential analysis with low driving voltages. The following measuring settings were used: the solvent was H₂O. The voltage was automatically adjusted by the equipment and chosen at values below 5.0 V for all measurements.

IAT EbNP functionalization with Ag⁺ ions. Ag⁺ standard (Mettler Toledo, silver ISE standard 1000 ppm 51344770, lot ISEAG510L1); Ag⁺ ion selective electrode (Mettler Toledo, silver/sulfur electrode 51302822, reference filling solution C 51344752).

Reference samples BPEI AgNPs and AgNO₃ solution. Positively charged branched polyethylene imine (BPEI, Sigma Aldrich, Mw ˜25000 by LS, CAS# 9002-98-6, lot MKB64206V) coated AgNPs with a z-avcrage diameter of 20 nm were synthesized according to the literature.²⁹ The molar ratio of the final AgNP solution was chosen to be 0.5 mM BPEI: 0.5 mM AgNO₃ (Fisher Chemicals, CAS# 7761-88-8, lot 016932): 0.1 mM HEPES buffer (Sigma Aldrich, CAS# 7365-45-9, lot 98115425). 10 ml of the mixture was exposed to UV light for 120 minutes to form BPEI capped AgNPs with 54 ppm silver equivalent. The z-average diameter was determined with DLS. The pH value of the final solution was 6.3. AgNO₃ solutions were prepared from a 1000 ppm Ag⁺ reference standard. The target ppm concentrations for antimicrobial testing were reached by appropriately diluting the reference standard with Millipore water.

Media used in antimicrobial testing. PBS buffer (Sigma Aldrich, CAS# 7778-77-0, lot 38H8503), LB ager (Fischer Chemicals, CAS# 9002-18-0), LB broth (Acros 61187-5000, lot B012260G).

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SECTION 2

As depicted in FIG. 1, in contrast to permanent nanoparticle systems exhibiting post utilization hazards for humans and the environment, due to nanoparticle migration, accumulation, and persistent activity, the object of the present invention—functionalized EbNPs—have increased nanomaterial safety as they will biodegrade after their intended use minimizing any hazardous effects stemming from nanomaterial waste. Means of synthesizing native EbNPs from biopolymers via green synthesis methods in simple, inexpensive, and non-toxic ways are illustrated. Functionalization options via adsorption of and/or infusion with active agents are described. A range of procedures to alter the EbNP pH stability, colloidal stability in water or organic media, and surface properties have been developed. Silver-infused EbNPs with positive surface charge capable of releasing antimicrobial silver ions were synthesized, and evidence for complete functional equivalency to high-volume nanoparticles currently employed in industry—antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)—was demonstrated. In biocidal tests on human pathogens such as Ecoli BL21(DE3) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the EbNPs showed higher efficiency in comparison to AgNPs, and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution. While the native

EbNPs did not exhibit any observable biocidal activity, positively charged EbNPs infused with silver ions demonstrated significantly higher antimicrobial efficiency. In addition to the beneficial performance with less active agent favoring substitution of AgNPs and others with EbNPs with functional equivalency, the benign nature of the invention opens opportunities for new applications in safety sensitive applications including the food and drug industry.

The invention can be used as a platform technology for versatile synthesis of functionalized EbNPs, in achieving functionality and efficiency, in formulation, and in applications, and environmental safety and biodegradability at the same time. These EbNPs are systemized from natural materials available in abundance, potentially from waste or bio-products streams, by employing simple processes using green or no organic solvents. In addition to their safety, efficiency, and cost advantages, the benign nature of the new EbNPs opens multiple utilization opportunities in markets closed for persistent nanoparticles. The advantageous features of the invention include:

-   -   Process novelty: The synthesis procedures for persistent         nanoparticle systems often involve hazardous materials, complex         methods, and reactions at elevated or reduced temperatures, but         only yield small output volumes/yields. Functionalized         environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs) are (1) made of         sustainable materials and synthesized via novel, green, simple,         and scalable methods, (2) functionalized with active agent,         and (3) surface modified to achieve complete functional         equivalency. Large yields and unmatched cost advantage in         comparison to a variety of permanent and hazardous metal or         semiconductor nanoparticles can be achieved.     -   Functionality and Efficiency: Nanoparticles made entirely of         active agent may not make efficient use of the agent.         Functionalized EbNPs are primarily made of sustainable         materials. The EbNP surface-active functionalization agent can         be released more easily increasing the efficiency of the agent.         Surface property modification e.g. to protect the active agent,         to alter the release properties of the active agent, to change         the stability of the system, to alter attractive or repulsive         forces to a specific target, to change the charge or         hydrophobicity of the system, and to prepare the system for         further functionalization and/or modification serve as further         possibilities to optimize the efficiency of the EbNPs. As a         result, functionalized EbNPs use in general significantly         smaller amounts of active agent to deliver the same         functionality than their persistent counterparts.     -   Additional Safety: Hazardous risks associated with persistent         nanoparticle waste have been recognized by the Environmental         Protection Agency (EPA)^(30, 31). Other than persistent         nanoparticles exhibiting post utilization hazards for humans and         the environment, due to nanoparticle migration, accumulation,         and activity, functionalized EbNPs increase nanomaterial safety         as they will deplete rendering the particles benign, which         biodegrade after their intended use minimizing any hazardous         effects stemming from nanomaterial waste.     -   Formulation novelty: Choice of materials in functionalized EbNPs         results in specific novel ingredient formulations.     -   Application novelty: Persistent nanoparticle systems have         limited application potential. The benign nature (by design) of         the invention opens usage opportunities in markets closed for         persistent nanoparticles, which can be found in the multibillion         pesticide, food, and drug industries.

Functionalized EbNPs consisting of a core, one or more functionalizing agents, and one or more surface modifiers, whose details are outlined in the definition of terms, could be based on the following combination of materials. The EbNP core consists mainly of biopolymers or a combination of biopolymers from the group of modified lignin, modified cellulose, hemi or lingo cellulose, modified chitosan, modified chitin, prolamines, and gluten. Most preferable lignins are modified lignins extracted via Kraft pulping process including sulfonated (Indulin C) and unsulfonated lignin (Indulin AT) from MeadWestvaco and others, and extracted via organosols process such as High Purified Lignin (HP-LTM) from Lignol. Preferable modified lignins include Kraft pulping lignin extracted via Lignoboost process from Metso, and their derivatives. Most preferable modified celluloses include hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose phthalate (e.g., HP-55 or HP-55S from Shin-Etsu), hypromellose acetate succinate (e.g., AS-HF from Shin-Etsu), and their derivatives. Other preferable modified celluloses include methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose nitrate, cellulose propionate, and their derivatives. Most preferable modified chitosans include low molecular weight (Mw) chitosans, and their derivatives including chemically modified chitosan with amino groups in the backbone of chitin. Preferable chitosans include medium and high Mw chitosan and their derivatives. The active agent may be any biologically active component. This includes most preferably monovalent and divalent cationic metal ions including biocidal Ag⁺ and Cu²⁺, biocidal semiconductor compounds such as ZnO and TiO₂, and natural and synthetic pesticides. Preferable active agents are amines, biopolymers with biocide activity including low Mw chitosan with amino groups, and synthetic polymers including negatively and positively charged polyelectrolytes. Other possible functionalization agents include the group of hydrophilic and hydrophobic pharmaceuticals, food additives, proteins, peptides, and others. Surface property modifiers are surfactants that include synthetic polymers and biopolymers as defined previously. Most preferably are positively charged biocidal amines such as polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDADMAC) or poyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH), and oils and silicon based surfactants used as pesticide transfer and targeting agents. Other groups of surface modifiers include positively and negatively charged polyelectrolytes for surface charge modification, non-ionic surfactants, protein based surfactants, emulsifiers, and polysaccharides.

Negatively charged hydrophobic EbNPs are synthesized via one of the four suggested green synthesis routes with mean diameters most preferably in the range of 20 to 100 nm. Preferable EbNPs from synthesis may also result in bigger particles with mean diameters typically up to 500 nm, or more. The procedures include the water-water based pH-drop method, the solvent-water based pH-drop method, solvent-antisolvent method, and the polyelectrolyte-addition method. Taking lignin as input material, Indulin AT (IAT) and HP-L™ nanoparticles have been synthesized by the previously mentioned procedures. Table 7 compares the advantages and limitations of each method. In the water-water based pH-drop method, supersaturation and subsequent nanoparticle formation are achieved upon addition of acid to dissolved lignin in water at elevated pH to drop the pH into the range of pH 1.5 to 3.0. The pH stability can be increased upon adsorption of positively charged polyelectrolytes most preferably with PDADMAC, PAH, and others on the negatively charged EbNP surface. In the organic solvent-water based pH drop method, lignin is first dissolved in organic solvent such as ethylene glycol, toluene, or similar. Supersaturation is reached upon addition of acid precipitating out negatively charged hydrophobic EbNPs. The EbNPs formed in organic media may be transferred into water via dialysis or dilution. In the solvent-antisolvent method, biopolymer is dissolved in solvent such as acetone or ethanol. Supersaturation is reached upon rapid addition of antisol vent such as water precipitating out negatively charged hydrophobic EbNPs. In the polyelectroly le-addition method, biopolymer is dissolved in solvent, typically water at adjusted pH. EbNPs are formed upon addition of positively charged polyelectroly les. In comparison to prior art, each of the four green synthesis routes is performed at room temperature without crosslinking reaction. This differs significantly from the methods reported in patent literature in which chemically modified cross-linked lignin nanoparticles were synthesized at elevated temperatures^(32, 33). While chemically modified lignin nanoparticles may not biodegrade as easily, other advantages of the green synthesis methods described include utilization of inexpensive materials, low hazard potential, room temperature operations and therefore no need for external energy input or cooling, size control, scalability, and short synthesis times from prepared stock solutions to synthesized EbNPs in the minute range. According to the advantages outlined, the EbNP synthesis costs are low.

The second part of the invention includes nanoparticle functionalization in order to infuse the matrix with an active ingredient or otherwise create the desired usage characteristics. Functionalization methods of the EbNP carrier include infusion, and absorption and/or physical and chemical adsorption of active agent. Both weak and strong binding of the active agent are possible mechanisms involved in the functionalization. This binding of the agent can occur because of electrostatic interaction, hydrophobic or hydrophilic interactions, reduction processes, chemical linking, kinetic and entropy driven capture of the functional molecules. In comparison to persistent nanoparticle systems compromised of the active agent alone, the functionalized EbNP technology suggests higher efficiency in terms of optimized smaller amount of active agent used to deliver the same functionality ultimately minimizing risks and hazards stemming from excess active agent.

The adjustment and customization of the surface properties is used to replicate and enhance the particle properties needed for its functionality, and can be achieved by introducing one or more modifiers on the EbNP surface. Depending on the surface modifier chosen, the binding strength and the adsorption processes can vary accordingly. Surface properties that are controlled on this stage include surface charge, pH stability, hydrophobicity, biocidal activity, and others. Changes in surface properties can specifically be performed for better particle targeting, to increase the shelf life of the system, to alter the colloidal stability, to modify the interaction potential with the environment or a specific target, to protect the active agent, to customize depletion and transport effects of active agent, and others.

Applications:

The EbNP systems suggested in the present invention can find applications in different areas of technology and industrial products. The key new element is that the functionalized EbNPs may be designed to exhibit locally confined and temporarily limited bioactivity, by delivering the same desired activity as permanent nanoparticles currently employed in various applications, but only during the time of their application. Since functionalized EbNPs can be engineered to have complete functional equivalency to a variety of permanent hazardous nanoparticles, EbNPs may therefore replace a wide range of metal or semiconductor nanoparticles employed at moderate temperatures.

Besides these multimillion dollar applications, the benign nature of the invention opens opportunities for its use in markets presently closed for persistent nanoparticles. New additional applications may be found in the multibillion pesticide, food, and drug industries. Applications of functionalized EbNPs are sectioned in immediate applications, new applications, and new applications with FDA approved EbNP matrix.

Immediate applications of these new particles include/invention can be employed as:

-   -   a) Functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs)         with antimicrobial properties to be used as additive to         detergents or soaps to establish or increase the antimicrobial,         antifungal, or antiviral function of the product.     -   b) Surface coatings made of biodegradable components consisting         of modified lignin and/or modified cellulose, hemicellulose or         chitin functionalized with positively charged polyelectrolytes         and/or Ag+ ions adsorbed in/on the matrix for antimicrobial,         antifungal, and antiviral surface functionalization in consumer         products.     -   c) Functionalized EbNP suspensions for dipping or spraying with         added modified lignin and/or modified cellulose, hemicellulose         or chitin in diameters ranging from 20 to 500 nm, optionally         functionalized with positively charged polyelectrolytes, and/or         Ag ions adsorbed on the particles, in water-based or organic         solvent-based solution, for antimicrobial, antifungal, and         antiviral functionalization of surfaces.     -   d) Functionalized EbNPs consisting of modified lignin and/or         modified cellulose, hemicellulose or chitin in diameters ranging         from 20 to 500 nm functionalized with positively charged         polyelectrolytes and/or Ag ions adsorbed on the particles to be         incorporated in/adsorbed on general available water filtration         matrixes to provide antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral         water treatment in addition to basic water filtration.     -   e) EbNPs consisting of modified lignin and/or modified         cellulose, hemicellulose or chitin in diameters ranging from 20         to 500 nm functionalized with biocidal agents such as Ag⁺, Cu²⁺,         or iron oxides coated with positively charged polyelectrolyte         incorporated in/adsorbed on general available water filtration         matrixes to provide antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral         water treatment in addition to basic water filtration.     -   f) Functionalized EbNPs to be used as general active agent         carrier system specifically to substitute silicon based particle         systems used in the pesticide and food industry.     -   g) EbNPs functionalized with pesticides and coated with         pesticide transfer agent to be used as benign pesticide agent         carrier and delivery system with engineered temporal activity to         reduce the amount of active agent used and therefore any         negative environmental impact while delivering the same         functionality, and to increase product safety for humans.     -   h) Functionalized EbNPs in diameters ranging from 20 to 500 nm         functionalized with positively charged polyelectrolytes and/or         Ag+ ions adsorbed on the particles to be incorporated in and/or         adsorbed on general types of water filtration matrixes to         provide antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral water treatment         in the pharmaceutical industry.     -   i) Nano-carriers made of biopolymers in diameters ranging from         20 to 500 nm functionalized with positively charged         polyelectrolytes and/or Ag+ ions adsorbed on the particles to be         incorporated in and/or adsorbed on general types of water         filtration matrixes to provide antimicrobial, antifungal, and         antiviral water treatment in the food industry.     -   j) EbNPs in diameters ranging from 20 to 500 nm functionalized         with biocidal agents such as Ag⁺, Cu²⁺, or iron oxides coated         with positively charged polyelectrolyte incorporated in/         adsorbed on general available water filtration matrixes to         provide antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral water treatment         in addition to basic water filtration.     -   k) EbNPs functionalized with active agent to be used as general         active agent carrier system specifically to substitute         silicone-based particle systems used in the pesticide industry.     -   l) EbNPs funclionalized with pesticides and coated with         pesticide transfer agent to be used as benign pesticide agent         carrier and delivery system with engineered temporal activity to         reduce the amount of active agent used and therefore any         negative environmental impact while delivering the same         functionality, and to increase product safety for humans.     -   m) EbNPs functionalized with organic pesticides and coated with         pesticide transfer agent to be used as benign pesticide agent         carrier and delivery system with engineered temporal activity to         reduce the amount of active agent used and therefore any         negative environmental impact while delivering the same         functionality, and to increase product safety for humans.     -   n) EbNPs functionalized with antimicrobial agent to be used as         benign antimicrobial agent carrier and delivery system with         engineered temporal activity to combat bacterial and fungal         plant pathogens to reduce vegetable spoilage.     -   o) EbNPs functionalized with antimicrobial agent to be used to         functionalize dressings and tampons with antimicrobial effect to         decrease the potential of infections.     -   p) EbNPs functionalized with antimicrobial agent to be used to         functionalize an article of hygiene with antimicrobial         properties to decrease the potential of infections.     -   q) EbNPs functionalized with antimicrobial agent to be used to         functionalize paper with antimicrobial properties to decrease         the potential of infections.

New applications include:

-   -   r) EbNPs consisting of modified lignin and/or modified         cellulose, hemicellulose or chitin in diameters ranging from 20         to 500 nm, optionally functionalized with positively charged         polycicctrolyte, to be used as adsorption matrix for monovalent         and divalent hazardous metal ions and hydrophobic agents in         liquid-based environmental remediation processes.     -   s) Process of making EbNPs consisting of modified lignin         synthesized via solvent-antisolvent (where water could be both         solvent and anti-solvent) process from organosolv lignin, or         synthesized via pH drop method in organic solvent or water, or         synthesized via addition of negatively charged polyelectrolyte         to lignin dissolved in solvent, and/or modified cellulose         synthesized via pH drop method in organic solvent or water, or         synthesized via addition of negatively charged polyelectrolyte         to cellulose dissolved in solvent, in diameters ranging from 20         to 500 nm, optionally functionalized with positively or         negatively charged polyelectrolyte, to be used as         environmentally benign fillers and protectors in paints in the         micro and nano size range in wood constructions.     -   t) EbNPs functionalized with biocides to be used as paint         additive to decrease susceptibility of growth of prokaryotic or         eukaryotic cells on the surface.     -   u) EbNPs functionalized with biocides to be used as additives in         sound or heat isolation materials or fillers to decrease         susceptibility of growth of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells on         the surface or in the bulk of such materials.     -   v) Hydrophobic EbNPs with optional biocidal functionalization to         be used in wood protection and/or as paint additive to decrease         both the wettability of the product and the growth of         prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells on the surface of wood products         to increase their lifetime.     -   w) EbNPs to be used as binder additive into paints, ceramics,         glues, or coating materials dispersed in the product to serve as         linker between the components upon drying increasing the         stability of the product.     -   x) Functionalized EbNPs to be gathered in porous particles frits         to serve as catalyst facilitating chemical reactions.     -   y) EbNPs functionalized with catalytic metals such as Pt or Pt         alloys immobilized in porous frits to serve as catalysts         facilitating chemical reactions.     -   z) Functionalized EbNPs with surface coating with specific         adsorption potential to serve as adsorption material for         targeted biomolecules to be used in biosensor applications.     -   aa) Bioassays using EbNPs with possibly additional marker or dye         functionalization with surface coating exhibiting adsorption         potential to specific biopolymers to be used in biomolecular         screening applications.     -   bb) Functionalized EbNPs to be used on bioassay microchip to         serve as biomolecule specific adsorption material.     -   cc) Functionalized EbNPs consisting of synthesized EbNPs and at         least one polyelectrolyte to be used as coating material to         alter surface properties including hydrophobicity, surface         charge, and optional anisotropy.     -   dd) Foam or emulsion based products, where bubbles or droplets         are fully or partially stabilized with EbNPs, having at least         one of the additional functionalities as described above, where         the additional functionality of the particles is boosted (in         terms of dose or efficiency) due to their attachment of the         interface and their benign properties further improved when         these foams or emulsions are destabilized.

New therapeutic or nutraceutical applications (possibly for FDA-approved or other regulatory approval) of EbNPs described herein include:

-   -   ee) Functionalized EbNPs with biocide functionalization to be         employed as coating material in food containers, bottles, or         cans to decrease antimicrobial or antifungal contamination         potential to protect the food from subsequent spoiling.     -   ff) Functionalized EbNPs with biocide functionalization to be         used as food additive to increase the shelf life through making         the food less susceptible for bacterial or fungal contamination,         and to decrease spreading of bacteria and fungi in the product.     -   gg) Functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles         consisting of modified lignin and/or modified cellulose,         hemicellulose or chitin in diameters ranging from 20 to 500 nm         to adsorb hydrophobic drugs and beneficial cationic ions and         molecules prior to optional protective functionalization with         positively and negatively charged polyelcctrolytes to be used as         transport agent in oral drug delivery.     -   hh) Functionalized EbNPs with antimicrobial properties added as         active agent in disinfecting and cleaning solutions for soft and         rigid contact lenses to protect the eyes of the contact lens         wearer from infections.     -   ii) Functionalized EbNPs with insecticide, herbicide, or         fungicide functionalization to be employed as pesticide in the         agriculture sector to protect the pesticide from dilution and         depletion, to specifically target the pest, and to increase the         pesticide concentration locally at the target while decreasing         the overall average exposure of pesticide on the protected good.     -   jj) EbNPs with marker or dye functionalization to be employed as         a diagnostic or an indicator for exposure routes in humans,         animals, and the environment in general to protect the marker         from dilution and depletion, to decrease the overall indicator         concentration while using a benign matrix.     -   kk) EbNPs functionalized with antibiotics to be delivered in         humans, animals, and the environment in general to protect the         agent from dilution, depletion, and degradation, to decrease the         overall antibiotic exposure concentration while using a benign         matrix.     -   ll) EbNPs with Ag infusion to be used as wound dressing, and         immobilized antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory active         agent on material used as wound cover.     -   mm) EbNPs with Ag infusion to be incorporated in hydrogels to         provide wound dressing with antibacterial, antifungal, and         anti-inflammatory properties.     -   nn) Functionalized EbNPs with antimicrobial agents to be used as         coating materials of catheters including catheters used in         neurosurgery for cerebrospinal fluid drainage to reduce the risk         of infection.     -   oo) Functionalized EbNPs with antimicrobial agents to be used as         additive to bone cement and implantable materials to reduce         risks of infections.     -   pp) Ag functionalized EbNPs with beneficial properties towards         treatment of dermatitis to be used as in cures resulting in         reduction of dermatitis due to Ag ions stemming from EbNP         system.     -   qq) Ag functionalized EbNPs with beneficial properties towards         treatment of acne resulting to be used in acne treatment         solutions in reduction of acne due to Ag ions stemming from.         EbNP system.     -   rr) Functionalized EbNPs with antimicrobial properties to be         used in urology as coating material for surgical mesh to provide         protection towards bacterial infections for pelvic         reconstruction.     -   ss) Functionalized EbNPs (in one non-limiting embodiment, Ag⁺)         with antiviral properties to be used as virus replication         inhibitor in direct virus treatments, and in vaccines.     -   tt) EbNPs functionalized with bactericidal and antifungal agents         to be used as preservatives in vaccines to protect the vaccine         agent from contamination and therefore, the person vaccinated         from infections related to contaminations.     -   uu) EbNPs functionalized with bactericidal and antifungal agents         to be used as coating material in vials, vessels, or syringes         holding vaccines to protect the vaccine agent from contamination         and therefore, the person vaccinated from infections related to         contaminations.

Definition of Terms

-   -   Biopolymers include linear, branched, or cross-linked         biopolymers of natural or technical origin (i.e. physically or         chemically modified during processing of natural compounds and         appearing usually as bi-product or waste stream of such process)     -   Biopolymers include large molecular weight natural or technical         polyphenols or natural phenolic polymers like lignin or modified         lignin or a combination thereof.     -   Biopolymers from natural or technical origin include physically         or chemically modified biopolymers during processing of natural         compounds that appear usually as bi-product or waste stream of         such process.     -   Bioplymers include byproducts of degradation of lignin, such as         humic acid and others.     -   Organic solvents include acetone, ethylene glycol, propylene         glycol, glycerol, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methanol,         ethanol, hexanol, petrol ether, toluene, benzene, turpentine,         dichlormethane, chloroform, formic acid, isopropanol,         polyethylene oxide, and others.     -   Prolamines include gliadin from wheat, hordein from barley,         secalin from rye, zein from corn, kafirin from sorghum or avenin         from oats.     -   Gluten include gladin and glutenin.     -   Cationic metal ions include Ag⁺, Ag²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺,         Fe²⁺, others, and their complexes; precursor of metal ions for         e.g., Ag⁺ are salts such as AgNO₃.     -   Anionic ions include anionic antimicrobial peptides and proteins         (AAMPs).     -   Cytotoxic agents include but are not limited to antibacterial         agents such as antibacterial peptides or proteins. Examples         include, but are not limited to,         bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI); helical         linear peptides, e.g., gramicidin, magainins, melittin; or         β-sheet or cyclic peptides such as defensins, amphotericins and         nystatin.     -   Semiconductors include ZnO, ZnSe, ZnS, ZnTe, CuCl, Cu₂S, CuO,         TiO₂, CdSe, CdS, CdTE FeO, Fe₃O₄, (α, β, γ, ϵ), Fe₂O₃, Fe₂S,         NiO, Ag₂S, and others.     -   Pesticides include algaecides, avicides, bactericides,         fungicides, insecticides, miticides, molluscicides, nematicides,         rodenticides, glyphosate, and virucides.     -   Amines include primary, secondary, tertiary, and quarternary         structures. This includes polydiallyldirnethylammonium chloride         (PDADMAC), poyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH), polyethyleneimine         (PEI), branched polycthyleneimine (BPEI), polyethoxylated tallow         amine (POEA), and others.     -   Non-ionic surfactants include alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol         ethoxyfulfates, and others.     -   Silicon based surfactants include silicone and silicone blends         with polysiloxane chains, and include commercial products such         as Sylgard® 309 (Wilbur-Ellis Company), Freeway® (Loveland         Industries), Dyne-Amic® (Helena Chemical Company), and Silwet         L-77® (Loveland and Helena), and others.     -   Oils include vegetable oil, methylated vegetable oil, seed oils,         crop oils, petroleum based oils, silicon based oils, and blends         of these. Commercial products include MSO® Concentrate         Methylated Seed Oil (Loveland Industries), Hasten® (Wilbur-Ellis         Company), Improved JLB Oil Plus (Brewer International),         Cide-Kick and Cide-Kick II (Brewer International), Syl-tac™         (Wilbur-Ellis Company), Phase™ (Loveland Industries), Agri-dex®         (Helena Chemical Co. or Setre Chemical Co.), Red-Top Mor-Act®         (Wilbur-Ellis Company), and others.     -   Other surface modification and activation agents include         amphiphilic proteins, soy proteins, proteins, DNA, fluorescence         DNA, peptides, fluorescence markers, amino acids, and others.

TABLE 7 Green synthesis methods comparison table. EbNP pH- Method material d [nm] stability Main parameters for particle size control Advantage Limitations water-water IAT, 20-200(+) 1.8-3.0  increasing pH-drop magnitude results completely water size control at target pH pH-drop HP-L ™ in bigger particles based pH stability (can be overcome) higher initial wt % results in bigger native EbNPs not suitable for particles infusion with active agent organic IAT 20-500   3.0-10.0 increasing pH-drop magnitude results pH stability organic solvent residues solvent-water in bigger particles size control (can be minimized relatively pH-drop higher initial wt % results in bigger physical adsorption of easy) particles cations possible solvent- HP-L ™ 20-200(+) 3.0-10.0 increasing dilution rate with antisolvent pH stability organic solvent residues antisolvent results in smaller particles size control (can be minimized) higher initial wt % results in bigger physical adsorption of cations particles limited polyelectrolyte IAT, 20-200(+) 3.0-10.0 ratio lignin to polyelectrolyte completely water native EbNPs not suitable for addition HP-L ™ influences particle size and surface based infusion with active agent charge

SECTION 3

Executive summary. One of the most widely used classes of nanornaterials today is the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which exhibit general antimicrobial, antisporal and antifungal activity, while being of low toxicity to humans. The application of Ag nanoparticles, however, has met a number of serious problems, due to their relatively large cost and the rapidly growing concerns about the environmental and human dangers by the persistent nanoparticles released post application. We have pioneered a set of new ideas that resulted in the demonstration of a novel class of funetionalized, environmentally-benign, nanoparticles (EbNPs) as highly efficient microbicidal substitutes of the AgNPs (FIG. 24). These particles are made of biodegradable and environmentally benign biopolymers such as lignin, and are infused with an optimal amount of silver in the form of adsorbed Ag⁺ ions. The active Ag⁺ ions are released only during the targeted adsorption of the polyelectrolyte-coated particles onto bacterial targets. We have shown that the bactericidal action of these silver-loaded, surface functionalized particles exceeds the one of the common Ag nanoparticles and that the new EbNPs are capable of killing a broad spectrum of microbes. A more detailed description of these preliminary results is provided in the main section of this document. The nanoparticles will become depleted of Ag⁺ ions shortly after use rendering the nanosystem benign. If the EbNPs are released in the environment concerns related to nanowaste toxicity are minimized as the particles will degrade, for they are made from natural biopolymers. Both the nanoparticles and the processes for their fabrication are simple and inexpensive. This approach is not limited only to bactericidal silver ions as active agent, but can be applied to the development of many new biopolymer particles with antiviral, antifungal, antitoxin, anticancer, chemical decontamination and other functionalities.

Background. Engineered nanoparticles are in use or being considered for use across a wide range of fields. However, lingering concerns about the potential health hazards of nanoparticles and their accumulation in the environment have limited the expansion of nanoparticle technology into many medical, environmental, and military applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as the most widely employed persistent nanoparticles (PNPs), as their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties allow them to combat bacteria strains exhibiting antibiotic resistance,¹¹ which are reported in human pathogens including Escherichia coli (E. coli)¹² , Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)¹³, and others. Furthermore, AgNPs are effective agents against viruses (e.g. herpes), spores (e.g., anthrax), and fungi (e.g. Candida albicans)³⁴. Such broad-spectrum biocidal agents can minimize the potential for nosocomial infections¹⁵ in applications including antimicrobial wound dressings, textiles,²⁰ and water fflters.²¹ However, toxicity studies on AgNPs in contact with skin, specifically in commercially available wound dressings, indicate that AgNP containing solutions exhibit stronger cytotoxic effects toward keratinocytes than do PNP free counterparts.²³ In addition, in vitro studies on mammalian fibroblasts have revealed that AgNP can induce apoptosis.^(24,25) In this context, AgNP may potentially affect human health.²⁶

The environmentally benign nanoparticles (EbNPs) that we have developed address these safety concerns associated with nanosystems without sacrificing the powerful nano-scale functionality. Biopolymers such as lignin serve as suitable matrix for benign nanoparticle systems. Lignin is the most abundant aromatic polymer in nature,⁴ has an amorphous structure, and is biodegradable. Matrixes of Indulin AT lignin (IAT), depicted in FIG. 25, have shown high adsorption capabilities of heavy metal ions for environmental remediation purposes. In these applications, cationic metal ions are electrostatically attracted to IAT, which is negatively charged due to deprotonation of its main functional groups.^(8,9) Recently, we reported the synthesis of pH-stable IAT-based environmentally biodegradable nanoparticles in ethylene glycol by a process that is simple, predominantly water-based, and does not include harsh organic solvents or chemical agents.³⁵

We further proved that by infusing IAT EbNPs with functional metal ions, such as antimicrobial silver ions, and additional surface modification, such as switching the surface charge from negative to positive, it is possible to synthesize degradable nanoparticles that match the nanoparticle functionality of their respective PNPs, while increasing utilization and post-utilization safety. The schematic in FIG. 25 shows the three steps involved in generating sustainable antimicrobial EbNPs. First, we synthesize negatively charged IAT EbNPs suitable for functionalization with cationic metal ions. In the next step, we adsorb antimicrobial silver ions from water solution of silver nitrate. Finally, we reverse the surface potential of the particles from negative to positive via adsorption of a positively charged polyelectrolyte. We use a relatively benign multifunctional cationic polyelectrolyte, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride [PDADMAC] as illustrated in FIG. 25, which has been frequently employed in environmental applications such as water treatment, in consumer products such as cosmetics, and in biological application including insecticides and algaecides.³⁶ Besides the surface charge modification, the PDADMAC layer may protect the particle system from unintended Ag⁺ ion depletion. In addition, as quarternized amines are known to exhibit antimicrobial effects, thus PDADMAC may potentially increase the antimicrobial efficiency of the EbNPs.³⁷ Hence, the antimicrobial EbNPs (Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC) with functional equivalency to AgNPs consist of (1) a biodegradable EbNP core, (2) highly antimicrobial silver ions as active agent, and (3) a surface charge modifier. At contact with the cells, the particles can release antimicrobial silver ions, which can be transfer into the cell, to perform the desired antimicrobial function leading to bacteria cell death. In contrast to the metallic silver in AgNPs, silver in Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC is already available in its ionic form and therefore, may be transferred to the cell more readily. This process may result in rapid silver ion depletion of the Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC system. At the end of the lifecycle, the Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC system, which is depleted of silver ions, is rendered inactive and will degrade over time.

Antimicrobial testing and comparison of AgNPs with silver-infused EbNPs. We compared the antimicrobial activity of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC with the one of positively charged branched polyethylene imine AgNPs (BPEI AgNPs) and AgNO₃ solutions. We performed quantitative antimicrobial tests on Gram-negative E. coli BL21 (DE3), a common human pathogen, and qualitative tests on Gram-negative P. aeruginosa, a human pathogen not susceptible to antimicrobial amines such as BPEI and PDADMAC. Therefore, any antimicrobial activity in the P. aeruginosa tests will predominantly stem from silver. The testing procedure are reported in Section 1.

The quantitative antimicrobial efficiencies of each active agent in the E. coli tests are compared in FIG. 26. The microbicidal efficiency of six different samples with increasing Ag ppm equivalent ranging from 0 ppm to 54 ppm was investigated. The graphs show the reduction efficiency at two time points, 1 minute and 30 minutes. The weight percentages of the control samples and the silver contents in the active agents were chosen to show antimicrobial thresholds and to facilitate comparisons between the samples. Native IAT EbNPs without Ag⁺ functionalization and surface modification did not result in any observable reductions in CFU (not reported), which suggests that the native IAT EbNPs are benign. Also, IAT EbNPs loaded with Ag⁺ but without PDADMAC coating did not result in significant reduction of CFU after 1 minute (0%) and 30 minutes (5%). We believe that the low antimicrobial efficiency may be contributed to the negative surface charge of these EbNPs, which may hinder them from overcoming the electrostatic barrier between the particles and the bacteria. IAT EbNPs coated with PDADMAC resulted in strong reduction of CFU after an exposure time of 30 minutes, which may be attributed to the antimicrobial effect of the quarterly amine PDADMAC. The Ag⁺-loaded and surface-functionalized sample, Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC, exhibited strong reduction in CFU, prevalent after 1 minute exposure time. The corresponding supernatant of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC exhibited no observable effect after 1 minute. BPEI AgNPs and AgNO₃ solutions exhibited antimicrobial effects at 20 ppm Ag and 40 ppm Ag respectively. Overall, the Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC sample outperformed the BPEI AgNPs and AgNO3 samples in terms of antimicrobial efficiency normalized on Ag ppm equivalent.

TABLE 8 Comparison of conventional AgNPs with the new silver-infused EbNPs. Parameter Silver Nanoparticles New functionalized EbNPs Broad spectrum antimicrobial/ Yes Yes antisporal/antiviral agent Efficiency ++ +++ (up to 10x higher efficiency) Silver-content (priority pollutant) High Low (reduction factor up to 10) Matrix Persistent (metallic Ag based) Degradable (biopolymer-based) Suitability for customized Low (one function) High (functionalization with functionality other active agents possible) Regulatory Concerns Yes (under scrutiny by US EPA) Minimized (collaboration with EPA) Comparative activity towards Medium (tested at US EPA) Low (tested at US EPA) mammalian cells Bioactivity post-utilization Yes (metallic core remains active) Minimized (depleted of active agent) Scalability Difficult (mostly batch production) Yes (continuous flow production possible) Comparative concentration Low High (10 to 100 higher) [wt %] in solution Price $400/g AgNPs in solution (estimate, $4.0/g EbNPs in solution PlasmaChem GmbH, 2012) (conservative estimate)

As mentioned above, the qualitative antimicrobial test on P. aeruginosa can distinguish the antimicrobial effect of PDMAC from the effect of silver (FIG. 27). BPEI AgNPs and AgNO₃ solutions exhibited no complete antimicrobial effect after 30 minutes incubation time. The control ample ILAT EbNPs coated with PDADMAC also did not result in any significant effect. Thus, the sample Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC was the only one that exhibited complete or 100% antimicrobial efficiency after 30 minutes. The supernatant of the sample Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC did not show any antimicrobial effect after 30 minutes of incubation time. The results suggest that the antimicrobial action of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC is delivered by silver ions. Comparing all active agents test in terms of antimicrobial efficiency, we establish that Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC again proved most effective.

presents a comparison of the properties of common AgNPs with our novel silver-infused EbNPs.

Hypothesis of the antibacterial mechanism of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC. The antibacterial effect of Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC, is a combinatorial effect of the antimicrobial properties of Ag⁺ ions and of the quarternized amine PDADMAC. For the bacteria not susceptible for bactericidal amines such as P. aeruginosa, ^(38, 39) the antimicrobial effect is based on the bactericidal activity of silver-ions. We suggest that the Ag⁺ ions are weakly bound to the EbNP binding sites and locally concentrated on the EbNP surface. These Ag⁺ ions may be surface active and could be released upon contact with a bacteria cell membrane. A possible mechanism of the antimicrobial Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC activity is illustrated in FIG. 28. Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC particles are electrostatically attracted to the negatively charged bacteria cell membrane, and will eventually adhere to it. As the control sample of EbNPs with PDADMAC but without Ag⁺ ions did not show antimicrobial effects towards P. aeruginosa, we suggest that the particles by themselves may not destroy the integrity of the cell membrane, which could result in cell lyses and therefore cell death. Hence, we suggest that the antimicrobial effect stems predominately from Ag⁺ ions, which may be released by the EbNP system towards the bacteria. As the Ag⁺ ions may eventually migrate into the cell, they could adversely affect bacteria cell functions and therefore, lead to cell death.

Conclusions. We developed a new class of microbicidal nanoparticles with increased efficiency and improved post-utilization safety. In contrast to AgNPs, the Ag-EbNPs-PDADMAC system is synthesized via green chemistry and employs degradable, benign and sustainable materials. Since these EbNPs can promote significantly higher antimicrobial activities in terms of Ag equivalents in comparison to persistent AgNPs, their environmental footprint is largely reduced. Furthermore, antimicrobial EbNPs are benign towards mammalian cells in comparison to AgNPs at equivalent silver concentration. As the EbNP technology is flexible and may be applied to a wide range of active agents, funetionalized EbNPs may be suitable to substitute a wide range of applied metal nanoparticles.

References (SECTION 2 and 3)

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Additional data, examples and embodiments may be found in Appendix A attached to the specification of U.S. provisional patent application no. 61/776,274, filed Mar. 11, 2014, the benefit of which application is claimed by the present application, and the contents of which application are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The article “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object(s) of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one or more elements.

Throughout the specification the word “comprising,” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. The present invention may suitably “comprise”, “consist of”, or “consist essentially of”, the steps, elements, and/or reagents described in the claims.

The following Examples further illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It is to be understood that, while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description, thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications of the invention are within the scope of the claims set forth below. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 

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 29. A cytotoxic particle comprising: (a) a discrete, solid, nanoparticle core wherein said nanoparticle core is comprised of a biodegradable biopolymer (b) a cytotoxic agent reversibly bound to the discrete nanoparticle core; and (c) a bioadhesive adsorption layer coating the discrete nanoparticle core and the biocidal agent.
 30. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the biodegradable biopolymer core is a plant derived biopolymer selected from the group consisting of: lignin, a cellulose, a hemicellulose, a lignocellulose, a modified cellulose, humic acid, or a combination thereof.
 31. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the biodegradable biopolymer core is a synthetic polyphenol, a natural phenolic polymer, chitosan or chitin, a linear, branched, or cross-linked polysaccharide, or a derivative thereof.
 32. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the reversibly bound biocidal agent is a cationic metal ion.
 33. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the reversibly bound biocidal agent is a biocide, a fumigant, a herbicide, a fungicide, an algaecide, a pesticide, a photoactive agent, or a combination thereof.
 34. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29 wherein the reversibly bound biocidal agent is antiviral.
 35. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29 wherein the reversibly bound biocidal agent is antimicrobial
 36. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29 wherein the cytotoxic particle is applied to agricultural products.
 37. The cytotoxic particle of claim 33 wherein the reversibly bound biocidal agent is an algaecide, or a fungicide.
 38. The cytotoxic particle of claim 33 wherein the reversibly bound biocidal agent is a fungicide and wherein the fungicide is a captan, chlorothalonil, or a lavender essential oil.
 39. The cytotoxic particle of claim 32 wherein the cationic metal is Ag⁺, Ag²⁺, Ag³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, or Zn²⁺
 40. The cytotoxic particle of claim 33 wherein the reversibly bound reactive agent is a fumigant and wherein the fumigant is 1,3 dichloropropene, chloropicrin, formaldehyde, iodoform, methyl-isocyanate, phosphine, or methyl sulfonyl fluoride.
 41. The cytotoxic particle of claim 33, wherein the reversibly bound reactive agent is a pesticide and the pesticide is an avicide, an insecticide, a miticide, a molluscicide, a nematicide, or a rodenticide.
 42. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the bioadhesive adsorption layer is a cationic polymer or polyelectrolyte.
 43. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the bioadhesive adsorption layer comprises primary, secondary, tertiary, or quaternized amine function groups.
 44. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the bioadhesive adsorption layer comprises carbohydrates, polypeptides, lectins, proteins, chitosan, chitin derivatives, or antibodies or other molecules or materials with affinity to microbes, fungi, viruses or seeds.
 45. A coated article comprising a surface wherein at least a portion of the surface is coated with the cytotoxic particle of claim
 1. 46. The coated article of claim 45, wherein the coated article is an air filter, an article of clothing, an article of hygiene, a building material, a face mask, a food stuff package, a medical device, or a seed.
 47. The coated article of claim 45, wherein the coated article is a bandage, a biological implant, a dressing, a medical scaffold, a surgical instrument, or a wound covering.
 48. The cytotoxic particle of claim 29, wherein the reversibly bound cytotoxic agent is dialdehyde starch, chitosan, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, nisin, lysozyme, N-N-Dodecyl methyl-polyethylenimine, organic acid, triclosan, povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine, phenol, quaternary ammonium, L-Lactic Acid, polycations, pyridinium, cupric oxide, cuprous oxide, oregano essential oil, chlorine, chlorine compounds, bromine, tannic acid, pyrithione, isatin-thio semicabazones, isatin-thio-semicabazone metal complexes, or ellagic acid. 